Bilingualism in children
Growing up with two languages is a gift. Here is what you need to know to support it, and how we work with bilingual children and their families.
Two languages in one mind
A bilingual child is not two monolingual children in one. They use each language with different people and in different situations: one at home, the other at school, sometimes a third with grandparents. So it is normal for them to be more comfortable in one language when telling you about their day, and in the other when talking about their lessons.
What makes the difference is the time spent in each language and how rich that time is. A language that is heard, spoken, read and written stays alive. A language reduced to a few everyday phrases slowly fades, especially once school begins.
Helping both languages grow
Keeping the family language alive
Speaking, but also reading and writing the home language — Russian, for example — so that it remains a full language and a link to the family and its culture.
Succeeding in the school language
French for children and parents who have recently arrived, homework help to consolidate what is taught in class: the second language should never hold back schooling.
Working with parents
Which language should we speak at home? How do we encourage reading in both? We look for the answers with each family, according to the child’s age and background.
Questions parents ask
Does bilingualism delay speech?
No. Research does not show that bilingualism causes language delay. A bilingual child’s vocabulary is spread across two languages: counted in one language only it may seem small; counted across both, it is comparable to that of a child who speaks one language. If you have a real concern about your child’s speech, see a health professional (doctor, speech and language therapist), whatever the language.
My child mixes the two languages. Is that a problem?
No, it is a normal stage. Switching from one language to the other within a sentence shows that the child is using all their resources. Over time they learn to choose the language according to the person they are speaking to.
Which language should we speak at home?
The one you are most comfortable in: it is the one that best passes on vocabulary, stories and emotions. Some families choose “one parent, one language”, others “one language at home, another outside”. What matters is consistency, not the method.
My child understands our language but answers in the school language. What can we do?
This is very common once school starts. Keep speaking your language without forcing an answer, create more situations where your child really needs it (family, books, games, other children) and give them a setting where that language is learned: that is what our classes are for.
Should my child learn to read and write in the family language?
Yes, if you want it to remain a full language. Spoken only, it often stays limited to everyday life at home. Reading and writing enrich it and later make it possible to study or work in that language.
At what age should we start?
The earlier the easier, but it is never too late: a child, a teenager or an adult can pick up a family language that was set aside. Our classes adapt to age and to the level in each language.
Are the classes held online?
Yes. Classes take place by video call, in a group or one-to-one, from any country. Times are given in Paris time.
Let’s talk about your child’s bilingualism
Tell us which languages your child hears and where they stand: we will suggest suitable support.